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35
Part 2
How to Obtain
a Western
Australian Driver's
Licence
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Western Australia has a graduated licensing system for new
drivers. This means that novice drivers must complete a
number of assessments and gain experience in different driving
conditions before being granted a provisional driver's licence.
A graduated system also applies to drivers obtaining motorcycle or heavy
vehicle licences. Full details of experience requirements for motorcycle or
heavy vehicle licences are at Appendix 1.
2.1 Getting Your C (Car) Licence
Before you can learn to drive any motor vehicle on the road, you must have a valid
learner’s permit. A learner’s permit allows you to drive a vehicle of the specified class.
The minimum age at which a person can obtain a learner’s permit to drive ‘C’ class
vehicles is 16 years except where in the opinion of the Department of Transport, the
denial of a licence to a younger person would cause undue hardship.
You may apply for a learner’s permit at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or
regional DVS agent. The permit is valid for 3 years and can be replaced free of charge.
When applying for a learner’s permit for the first time you must provide evidence of your
age, identity and where you live. The forms of identification you will need to take with you
when applying for your learner’s permit can be found at Appendix 4.
When you apply for a learner’s permit, you will be charged a fee to undertake a theory
test on the road rules, you will also be charged an application fee that entitles you to
undertake one practical on-road driving assessment.
All fees must be paid at the time of application and will not be refunded if your application
is refused.
2.1.1The Graduated Driver Training and Licensing System
The Graduated Driver Training and Licensing system is designed to make sure learner
drivers get a wider range of supervised driving experience under different road and traffic
conditions over a longer period before driving solo.
The system is designed to help you acquire the practical driving skills, good driving habits
and the responsible and courteous attitudes that are essential to safety on our roads.
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THE SIX STEPS TO A PROVISIONAL LICENCE
Step 1- Learner’s permit
Before you are issued with a learner’s permit you will have to:
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pay for and pass a computerised theory test
The computerised test consists of multiple choice questions on the road
rules and safe driving practices. You need to read this book beforehand, as the
information will help you to answer the test questions. You can also practice the
learner’s test online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs to help you pass the test;
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pay for and be issued a Learner Guide and Log Book
If you pass the theory test, you will also need to pay for your learner’s permit
and Learner Guide and Log Book. You must complete and record a
minimum of 25 hours supervised driving experience in a range of traffic and
weather conditions prior to being eligible to sit a practical driving assessment.
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pass an eyesight test
If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass the test, your permit and
licence will be endorsed to show that these must be worn when you drive; and
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pass a medical test (if required)
If you have a medical condition and/or take medication, you MUST declare
this on the application form when you apply for a driver’s licence. The customer
service officer will advise whether or not you will need to have a medical
assessment before you can obtain a learner’s permit.
Step 2– Learning to drive
Once you have your learner’s permit and Learner Guide and Log Book, you can begin
learning to drive with a supervising driver. You must complete and record a minimum of
25 hours supervised driving experience in a range of traffic and weather conditions prior
to being eligible to sit a practical driving assessment. The person who teaches you to
drive can be:
(a) a person who holds an instructors licence
Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963; or
issued
under
the
(b) a person who is an instructor in a youth driver education course conducted or supervised by a body authorised by the Department of Transport for that purpose; or
(c) a person who is authorised (licensed driver) to perform any driving
of a kind for which the driving instruction is to be given* and has had that
authorisation for a period of, or periods adding up to —
(i) at least 2 years, in the case of driving of a moped; or
(ii) at least 4 years, in any other case.
*This means that a person who is authorised to drive a ‘C’ class vehicle with an ‘A’
condition (automatic vehicle) cannot supervise a learner driver in a manual vehicle.
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If your instructor has an automatic transmission condition on their licence, they can only
supervise you in an automatic vehicle.
You must drive within the conditions shown on the permit and display ‘L’ plates
on the front and rear of the vehicle when you are driving.
The highest speed allowable for learner drivers is 100 km/h. Learner drivers are not
allowed to drive within the boundaries of Kings Park or wherever signs prohibit learner
drivers.
Learner drivers must not drive if they have a blood alcohol concentration greater than
0.00 per cent.
Step 3– Practical driving assessment (PDA)
When you have developed the ability to control a vehicle safely, completed a minimum of 25
hours of supervised driving experience, and if you are at least 16 years and 6 months old you
can book and sit a PDA. Online PDA bookings can be made for tests conducted at most Driver
and Vehicle Services Centres and Agent locations, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs or call
13 11 56 and have your learner’s permit number on hand.
The assessment looks at the quality of your driving rather than the way you perform
individual skills. When a learner driver shows signs of quality it generally means that they
have had plenty of practice and have encountered many different driving experiences.
So, to be ready to go for your PDA you will need to be able to handle many different
situations without relying on your supervisor’s help.
If you don’t pass the PDA you will have to pay another fee to take the PDA again. It
is in your interest to make sure you have enough experience before you make your
appointment.
If you wish to change or cancel an appointment you must give more than two working
days’ notice, otherwise you will forfeit your PDA and have to pay for another one. To
cancel or change an appointment for a PDA, please change your online PDA booking at
visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs or phone 13 11 56.
On the day of your PDA:
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arrive at least ten minutes before the appointed PDA time;
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provide a roadworthy vehicle fitted with a centrally mounted handbrake of the correct class for your PDA;
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as soon as you arrive at the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or DVS agent inform the staff that you have an appointment to sit a PDA;
you will need to take your Learner Guide and Log Book with you to your PDA. The assessor will check that you have completed the minimum 25 hours of supervised driving before taking you for your PDA; and
you will need to produce your learner’s permit, primary and secondary identification prior to taking the PDA.
Note: If you are late for your appointment or your log book has not been
completed correctly or signed you will not be assessed, have to pay for and
book another PDA.
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During your PDA, you will be given clear directions and no attempt will be made
to confuse or trick you. Every effort is made to give a similar PDA to all applicants,
regardless of where it takes place. The roads on which you will travel have been chosen
to give a fair evaluation of your driving ability.
The driving assessor will be understanding, but will not discuss your driving as this
may distract you. Remember, it is not the assessor’s job to teach you how to drive. You
should expect long periods of silence but that does not mean the assessor disapproves
or is unfriendly.
Listen carefully to what the assessor asks you to do and carry out the instructions as
well as you can. After the PDA, if there is enough time the assessor may discuss your
driving with you.
Assessors are subject to regular auditing and training. The auditor, trainer or trainee sits
in the rear of the vehicle observing and recording the assessor’s role in the assessment.
Step 4– Gain experience
Once you have passed your PDA, you must complete and record a further 25 hours of
supervised driving experience in your Learner Guide and Log Book across a range of
conditions. The 25 hours is a minimum requirement and you should try and get as many
hours of supervised driving experience as possible.
Research indicates that young novice drivers who gain at least 100-120 hours of
supervised driving experience are better prepared for a lifetime of safe driving and
are less likely to be involved in serious crashes.
During this stage you must still display ‘L’ plates and drive within any of the conditions
printed on your permit.
You should get as much supervised driving experience in as many different road,
weather and traffic conditions as you can. This will better prepare you for when you can
drive unsupervised and will help you pass the hazard perception test.
You should get as much supervised driving experience in as many different road, weather
and traffic conditions as you can. This will better prepare you for when you can drive
unsupervised and will help you pass the Hazard Perception Test. It is recommended that
your supervised driving experience includes:
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driving on freeways, highways and/or major roads;
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driving at night time; and
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driving at speeds between 80 km/h and 100 km/h on permitted roads.
You must take care of your Learner Guide and Log Book – keep it in a safe place at all
times.
Only driving sessions that are properly recorded in the log book sections will be credited.
You will not be given any credit for supervised driving that is not substantiated and
detailed in your log book/s. If your log book is lost, destroyed or misplaced, you will need
to pay for a new one and any previous supervised driving experience will not be credited.
The log book sections of the Learner Guide and Log Book are legal documents and
false or misleading information will cause those that have signed these documents to
be liable to prosecution.
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Step Five– Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
Six months following the successful completion of your practical driving assessment
(PDA), and once your log book has been checked and verified that you have completed
a minimum of 25 hours post PDA supervised driving, you can sit the HPT to obtain your
provisional licence. This computerised test will assess your ability to respond to different
traffic situations and to make safe driving decisions.
The test consists of a computer screen that displays a series of moving traffic scenes.
You have to respond to each scene by clicking a mouse to indicate when it is safe to
commence a manoeuvre or when it is necessary to take the appropriate action to reduce
the risk of a crash for the traffic situation.
The computer recorded response time, or lack of response from you, will then be compared to
the recommended response (or no response) times required, to pass the test.
When you pass the Hazard Perception Test and paid relevant licence fees, you will be
issued with a provisional licence.
You will be charged a fee prior to sitting the Hazard Perception Test.
Step Six– Provisional Licence
Once you have your provisional licence, you can drive without supervision. For the next
two years you will have to display ‘P’ plates whenever you drive.
A person will be issued with a provisional licence if they:
have not previously held a valid driver’s licence (issued in either WA or another State or Country) for an aggregate period of two years; and/or
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130 mm
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are younger than 19.
If you hold a provisional licence and you
are convicted of any of the offences listed
below and over the page, you may be
fined and your provisional licence will be
automatically cancelled:
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driving or attempting to drive a motor
vehicle with a BAC equal to or in
excess of 0.02 per cent;
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failing to stop after a crash;
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failing to report a crash;
125 mm
Must be displayed
For the first 6 months of your
provisional licence
period
Must be displayed
for the remaining
18 months of your
provisional licence
period
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unlawfully killing a person while driving
a vehicle;
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dangerous driving causing injury or
death;
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dangerous or careless driving;
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failing to supply your correct name and
address when required by a police
officer;
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failing to stop when called upon to do
so by a police officer;
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stealing a motor vehicle;
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applying for or obtaining a licence
while disqualified;
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unlawfully interfering with the
mechanism of a vehicle;
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using false number plates, or being in
possession of false driver or vehicle
licence documents; or
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lending or allowing a person to use any
vehicle licence document, driver
licence document, or number plate.
nforging
or altering any driver licence
document, vehicle licence document,
or number plate;
nunlawfully
possessing and using
false number plates;
Important:
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While on ‘P’ plates it is illegal to drive with any alcohol in your blood (i.e. Blood Alcohol Content of 0.00%)
You will be subject to night time driving restrictions for the first 6 months of your provisional licence period. This means you are unable to drive between the hours of midnight - 05:00am.
Night time driving restrictions do not apply to people travelling to, from, and in the course of paid or voluntary work or for training or education purposes. If you do need to drive between midnight and 5 am for these reasons, we suggest you obtain and carry proof with you, such as a letter from your employer.
You will also be subject to demerit point restrictions until you have held a driver’s licence for two years or periods adding up to two years - see section 5.3.4 Graduated Demerit Point System (Novice Drivers).
Further information regarding these restrictions and other laws relating to provisional
drivers is available online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs.
2.2
Getting a Motorcycle Licence
To get a class R-N (moped), R-E (motorcycle restricted) or R (motorcycle) licence, you
first need to obtain a learner’s permit. You can apply for a Learner’s Permit to drive a
moped at the age of 15 years and 6 months. Before you get your learner’s permit, you
will have to answer a series of questions on the road rules and some specific questions
relating to riding motorcycles.
As with all learner’s permits, you are not allowed to ride on the road unless you have
an instructor with you. This can be a licensed professional driving instructor or someone
who currently holds a valid licence for the same motorcycle class as your learner’s
permit. Your instructor must have held that class of licence or equivalent for four years
or more. In the case of a moped, your instructor must have held a class C, R-E or R
licence (or equivalent) for at least two years.
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You must carry your permit and drive within the conditions shown on the permit
Your supervisor can be carried on the pillion seat or in the sidecar, or they may ride
another motorcycle. You must display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear of the motorcycle
you are riding.
2.3Getting a Heavy Vehicle Licence
Before you get a heavy vehicle licence class LR (light rigid), MR (medium rigid), HR
(heavy rigid), HC (heavy combination) or MC (multi-combination), you must meet the
experience requirements for that class of licence (see Appendix 1). You may need to
obtain a learner’s permit prior to undertaking lessons to drive a heavy vehicle. Please
visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs for further information.
If required, once you have obtained your learner’s permit, you can learn to drive a heavy
vehicle from within the class or eligibility. You cannot learn to drive unless you have
an instructor with you. Your instructor can be a licensed professional driving instructor
or someone who currently holds a valid licence for the same class as stated on your
learner’s permit and they must have held that class of licence for four years or more.
2.3.1 Assessment for Heavy Vehicles
During your driving assessment you must demonstrate your skills in a vehicle appropriate
to the licence class.
If the vehicle used for your assessment is fitted with a non-synchromesh gearbox,
you will have to change gears using the double de-clutch method. If you pass your
assessment in a vehicle with an automatic or synchromesh gearbox, you will be granted
with a licence stating such conditions.
To obtain an MC class licence, you have to meet the class eligibility requirements
(see Appendix 1) and successfully complete an industry training course.
Please contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre or regional DVS
agent for details of assessment arrangements and training course providers.
2.4
Seniors Assessments
Persons aged 85 and over are required to undertake a driving assessment to retain the
authority to drive/ride heavy vehicles or motorcycles each year before their licence is renewed.
When multiple entitlements are held to drive various vehicle licence classes (e.g.
motorcycle and heavy vehicle) an assessment must be undertaken for each licence class
to be retained.
Annual medical assessments are required for all licence holders aged 80 years and
over. Please note, doctors concerned about a person’s medical fitness to drive may
recommend a person undertake a driving assessment.
2.5Bribery
It is a serious offence to offer any gift or payment to obtain a licence. Any person who
makes such an offer will be prosecuted.
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2.6
Organ Donation
Organ and tissue donation is an act of giving. When you reach the age of 16, you can
register to make an organ or tissue donation if an unexpected event such as a car crash
or a medical condition takes your life.
Registering as an organ donor means that if you are declared dead, your family will be
asked to allow your wishes regarding the donation of organs or tissue to be fulfilled. This
is how organs and tissue are obtained for transplantation.
The following information can help you make a decision about this very important
subject.
2.6.1 The importance of organ donation
There are a considerable number of children, teenagers and adults throughout Australia,
who are waiting desperately for organ and tissue transplants. Organ and tissue donation
can be either a life saving or a life enhancing procedure for these people.
The organs that can be donated are kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and pancreas. Tissue
donations include corneas, heart valves and long bones. You can choose all of these, or
select individual organs or tissue you wish to donate. You may also indicate that you do
not wish to be an organ and tissue donor.
2.6.2 Circumstances of organ and tissue donation
If you elect to donate your organs, donation will only take place after you have been
certified dead and after your family has given its approval. In Australia, ‘death’ is defined
as either irreversible cessation of:
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all functions of the brain; or
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circulation of the blood.
Brain death occurs when the brain has lost all function from lack of blood flow and is
unable to recover. To determine function, senior doctors who cannot be involved in
transplantation, carry out a number of tests. The tests are done twice.
Tissue donation takes place after clinical death when the heart has stopped and
breathing ceased. Tissue donation can take place up to 24 hours after death.
Organ donation can take place only under certain circumstances where someone is
declared ‘brain dead’ in hospital. This usually occurs in an intensive care unit and the
person is always on a ventilator. Tissue donation takes place after death – that is, when
breathing and heartbeat have ceased.
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2.6.3 Medical procedures in organ donation
Donated organs are removed in an operating theatre by some of Australia’s leading
surgeons. Organ donation is treated like any other surgical operation. The body is not
disfigured and can be viewed by the family after the procedure.
Once the organs are removed, the operation is complete. The family of the donor is
then able to see their relative again. Funeral and burial arrangements are not affected
by organ donation, and remain the responsibility of the family.
2.6.4
Becoming a registered organ donor
To register your wish to become an organ donor you need to complete an Australian
Organ Donor Register (AODR) form. This form is available at Medicare office locations
or online at www.DonateLife.gov.au. The Australian Organ Donor Register is a national
register that has replaced the drivers licence system for recording your wish to be an
organ donor.
Generally there are no limitations on organ and tissue donation so both young children
and elderly adults can still register on the AODR.
You must also talk to your family because they are the people who will be approached
should you become a donor. If they are not aware of your wishes, they may not give
permission for the donation to take place. This decision is so much harder if your family
is unaware of your wishes and they are asked to make a decision on your behalf. Family
discussion is very important.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ORGAN DONATION, CONTACT ONE OF THE
FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS:
n DonateLife
n Australian Organ Donor Register
www.donatelife.gov.au www.hic.gov.au/organ
ph: 1800 777 203
n Lion’s Eye Bank
n Australian Kidney Foundation
ph: 9381 0770
Ph: 9322 1354
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2.7
Blood Donation
Every single day someone needs blood or blood products. Precious blood donations
help save people with cancer; heart; stomach and bowel diseases; pregnant women and
their babies, road trauma victims and many other serious medical situations.
2.7.1 The importance of blood donation
One in three people are likely to need blood at some stage in their life and yet currently
only one in thirty donate it. Once you reach your sixteenth birthday you can start saving
lives by giving blood.
2.7.2 Are you eligible?
Blood donors need to be between 16 and 70 years old, weigh over 45kg, feel fit and
healthy, not had a tattoo or body piercing in the last 12 months and not lived in the UK
between 1980 and 1996 for six months or more.
If you believe you are eligible you can call 13 14 95 to make an appointment and talk to
a medical officer to check your eligibility.
Special criteria applies to donating blood to ensure the safest blood supply for the
Australian Health System.
If you would like more information on eligibility criteria, visit www.donateblood.com.au
2.7.3 Where to give blood
Call 13 14 95 or go to www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment at the following
blood donor centres:
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Metro Donor Centres - Perth, Whitfords, Fremantle, Cannington, Midland,
Joondalup, Morley and Rockingham.
Regional Donor
Kalgoorlie.
Centres
-
Albany,
It takes someone special to give blood.
Broome,
Bunbury,
Geraldton,
and